Banham Zoo to donate all day's takings to support World Autism Awareness Day

Organisers at Banham Zoo will be giving all their takings from Saturday’s ticket sales away to autism charities in a bold act of solidarity with World Autism Awareness Day.

The United Nations has declared tomorrow as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism – so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.

The Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA) has now pledged to give 100 per cent of ticket sales from Banham Zoo and its sister zoo Africa Alive, in Suffolk, to projects supporting autism.

ZSEA brand ambassador Alfie Bowen, a renowned wildlife photographer, spoke about the profound impact the zoo had had on his autism.

Mr Bowen said: “For nearly 20 years, Banham has played an important part in my journey, offering a safe space where my anxiety disappears like the flick of a switch.

“The one thing I want is for people to be accepted for who they are and, as a brand ambassador for ZSEA, I am supporting the goal of making Banham and Africa Alive the most welcoming and accepting zoos in the UK, where everyone is free to be themselves.”

This month, Mr Bowen met MBA students from the University of East Anglia, who have now completed a management consultancy project on neurodiversity for ZSEA as part of their course.

After carrying out customer research, visits and interviews, the students gave an analysis and recommendations, including for grants which could help widen access to the zoos.

The recommendations given by the students included signage with neurodiversity in mind, story boards to help people plan their visits, dedicated neurodiversity days, quiet zones and forming partnerships with neurodiversity and autism organisations.

Claudia Roberts, CEO at Banham Zoo, welcomed the support of the students.

She said: “It is our goal to become the leading zoo for neurodiversity and we are thrilled to be launching a new focus around accessibility for neurodiversity to widen access and inclusivity within our zoos.

“Through the support of Alfie and the wonderful project which the MBA students at the University of East Anglia have put together, we are looking forward to making positive changes around our zoos and to support our commitment to neurodiversity.”